Carl Palmer remains active and hopeful at 67

Carl Palmer, a celebrated drummer, reflects on his long career after the collapse of Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). He describes feeling discouraged when ELP disbanded but persevered in the music industry. Palmer grew up in a musical family and started his career as a teenager with various bands. At 67, Palmer continues to tour and perform, recently returning from a tour with Asia. He expresses gratitude for being able to play drums for over 50 years. Palmer, who began learning music at age five, had early experiences in jazz and popular music before finding success in rock. He joined notable bands like The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Atomic Rooster, but ELP became his defining project. Palmer notes that despite the band's initial success, they struggled with the changing music landscape in the late 1970s, leading to their eventual breakup. Despite setbacks, he later found renewed success with Asia in the 1980s. Palmer emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of music and credits his clean lifestyle for his longevity. He has also explored visual art using LED drumsticks, a passion that adds another layer to his creativity. Now leading Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy, he feels a duty to keep the music alive. Palmer is inspired by younger musicians, finding their dedication motivating. He remains committed to improving his craft and hopes to keep performing for years to come. His philosophy is simple: as long as he can grow as a musician, he will continue to play.